Elle’s hair is growing fast and getting long, and she is not too concerned about keeping it clean. Combine that with the fact that she is severely tender headed and hates getting her hair brushed, and I am left with a teary-eyed toddler every morning. I was recently contemplating whether or not I should use conditioner on my 2-year-old’s hair, but the thought of a chemical-free homemade hair detangler for my daughter’s hair was much more appealing.
The main ingredient in this easy homemade hair detangler is marshmallow root. After a little research, I discovered marshmallow root has been referenced as a healing herb since the Egyptian period. It is commonly used to cure a sore throat, but that is not all this delightful root does. When it is infused, it may soften hair, soothe an itchy scalp and promote hair growth. It’s also commonly enjoyed as a medicinal tea.
Wow, that is one useful root! When combined with oil and vinegar, it makes one fantastic natural homemade hair detangler recipe.
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Table of Contents
Homemade Hair Detangler
Ingredients
- 1 1/4 cup water
- 1/4 cup dried marshmallow root
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp olive oil
- 10 – 15 drops essential oils, optional
- 1/2 cup water
Combine marshmallow root and water in a small pot and simmer over medium-low heat for 15-30 minutes. This cooking time will allow the mucilage to release. The longer you let it simmer the thicker the mixture will be. If the mixture gets too thick, you can always dilute it with extra water.
Remove pot from heat and allow mixture to cool. Strain the liquid from the marshmallow root using a fine mesh strainer.
Once the mixture is cooled and the liquid is separated, add in remaining ingredients, and stir to combine. Transfer to a spray bottle and store at room temperature for up to 3 months.
To use:
Spray this apple cider vinegar detangler onto wet or dry hair, allow to sit for 1 – 2 minutes to soften, and then brush.
Note: If the mixture is too heavy or greasy for the hair, add in more water, 1/8 cup at a time, until it is a good ratio for your hair type.
Homemade Hair Detangler
Soften and detangle hair naturally using a blend of marshmallow root, ACV, and essential oils
Ingredients
- 1 1/4 cup water
- 1/4 cup dried marshmallow root
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp olive oil
- 10 - 15 drops essential oil
- 1/2 cup water
Instructions
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Combine marshmallow root and water in a small pot and simmer over medium-low heat for 15-30 minutes.  This cooking time will allow the mucilage to release. The longer you let it simmer the thicker the mixture will be.  If the mixture gets too thick, you can always dilute it with extra water.Â
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Remove pot from heat and allow mixture to cool. Strain the liquid from the marshmallow root using a fine mesh strainer. Â
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Once the mixture is cooled and the liquid is separated, add in remaining ingredients, and stir to combine.  Transfer to a spray bottle and store at room temperature for up to 3 months.
This recipe was adapted from: frugallysustainable.com.
That for this DIY recipe. This will save money and my little nieces a lot of tears
I had waist length hair as a young girls and vividly remember the pain of having my hair brushed. I’d have appreciated this natural detangler greatly., as would my daughters who had long hair all their lives. Pinning now
(Just a quick warning: I use all-caps as emphasis! I’m NOT yelling or angry; I’m honestly and very simply trying to emphasize something. Most sites don’t have the option of italicization..so PLEASE don’t EVER take offence due to my use of all-caps, because that most certainly is NOT my intention! 🙂 )
I’m curious about the combinations of apple cider vinegar and the oils. I’ve tried ACV on my hair before, and it was like eating a TB of Alum! I could almost FEEL my hair trying to shrivel back into my scalp to get away from the scary bad vinegar! (I was trying a “natural” hair care ‘system’ with ACV and Baking Soda; NEVER. AGAIN. [That ‘natural’ in there really should have been my first clue, as technically and quite critically EVERYTHING is natural!] I seem to recall that the Baking Soda was last, but it was THAT many years ago that I don’t remember!
Now, I know that both of these ingredients on fine, aging hair that has no “product” build up was rather foolish; my hair needed nothing of the kind. Not to mention, my hair is oily, and while I now DO use some product, it would probably STILL be too much dryness from that stuff!
So I’m curious; how does ACV work with the oils that you add?
Hi Kathryn,
Thanks for your comment! The amount of ACV in this recipe is small, so it is much less abrasive than putting it straight on the hair. I add essential oils to mask the scent of the ACV.
All hair types are different, and you can certainly make this hair detangler without adding ACV if you know it doesn’t work well with your hair.
Hope that helps 🙂
Andrea
How is the scent?
It is a bit vinegary, which I know can be off-putting to some, although it doesn’t bother me. The essential oils help mask the scent.
I have the dropper/liquid form of marshmallow root, do tippy know how I should alter this recipe?? I’m so excited to give this a try, I too have a little tender headed princess who hates brushing! Thanks!!
Hi Tarrah, thanks for stopping by!
I haven’t worked with liquid marshmallow root before, but if I were experimenting, I would mix 2 drops liquid marshmallow root with 3/4 cups distilled water, 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar, and 1/2 tbsp olive or jojoba oil (and any essential oils you want to add). Try that out, and add a drop more at a time until you’ve found the right amount that softens, without making the hair greasy. Hope that helps!
Does it have a shelf life? Does it need to be refrigerated!
I would feel safe using a batch for about 3 months. The root itself will keep for 3 years. Refrigeration is not necessary 🙂